Top Local Activities to Keep Kids (and Grown-Ups!) Entertained This Summer

School’s out, the days are long and the summer break is the perfect chance to enjoy quality time with your family. Whether you’re looking to keep the kids active, spark their creativity or simply find a welcoming spot to relax and connect, the Crediton area has plenty to offer. From energetic sports camps and imaginative workshops to fun community events and supportive parent groups, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Here are our top picks for family fun, creative activities, and support throughout the summer - designed to keep both kids and grown-ups happy.

The Crediton Heart Project Summer Arts Festival
Running from 2nd to 9th August, the Crediton Heart Project’s Summer Arts Festival is packed with fun for all ages. From pottery and mask making to willow crafts, felt flowers, and even robot building, there’s something for everyone to try. The festival also features an outdoor cinema screening of Wicked on 3rd August and the big Arts in the Park finale on 9th August, a day of FREE activities and entertainment in Newcombes Meadow. Most workshops cost just £3 for under 16s and £5 for adults and can be booked here.The festival is spread across several local venues in partnership with Crediton Arts Centre and The Turning Tides Project.

Checkout all the wonderful activities at The White Room Creative Space
If you haven’t yet explored this wonderful hidden treasure in Crediton, make sure The White Room Creative Space is top of your list this summer. With vibrant workshops, creative classes and community events running throughout the year, it’s a hub of inspiration and fun for all ages - especially creative young people. Families looking for engaging summer activities will find plenty on offer, and following The White Room on Instagram is a great way to stay updated.

Emmylou’s popular children’s art workshops return to the The White Room Creative Space this summer for ages 5 to 13. The first session is Monday 28th July, 10am-12pm, with ocean-themed stone painting, snacks and all materials included for £15. More dates: 13th, 18th and 27th August. Book at www.aurorashineonline.com.

They are also hosting two exciting printmaking workshops with the Double Elephant this August. On Saturday 9th August, from 2-4pm, create your own unique Holiday Souvenir Postcard print. Then on Friday 29th August, from 10am-12pm, families can enjoy a fun and creative Botanical Monoprint Workshop. Both sessions are family-friendly and a great way to try something new together over the summer. Visit the The White Room Creative Space facebook page to book.

Young creatives aged 7-13 can dive into the world of animation this summer with Yellow Mouse Studios’ exciting workshops at The White Room Creative Space in Crediton. From Claymation and experimental techniques to character design, each session encourages imagination, play and artistic exploration. Held on 29th July, 4th August and 7th August, these full-day workshops offer a hands-on introduction to the magic of animation. For more information visit www.yellowmousestudios.co.uk or www.whiteroomdevon.co.uk

Summer holiday fun at The Nest
Starting the week of 21st July, The Nest in Crediton will be running weekly summer activities. On Mondays, Little Nestlings will host drop-in sessions for 0-5s (10am-3pm, £3 per family), offering a fun space for younger children to explore and play. On Wednesdays, parent-guided craft activities for 6-15s will run from 10am-12pm (from £7 per child). Booking is essential – contact Claire on 07538 092115.

Explore the library this summer
Libraries Unlimited launches the Summer Book Quest from 12th July, inviting children to read anything they like, draw sea creatures, join events, or help with a beach clean. They’ll collect stickers, a certificate, and a ninja starfish key ring. Exeter Library has a packed summer programme - Lego coding, live music, puppetry and more, mostly free or under £5. Keep an eye on Crediton Library too - there’s always plenty on and it’s a great way to support our fantastic local library by the park. More info: Facebook/Creditonlibrary | linktr.ee/exeterlibraryevents

Creative summer fun at Paint Pots of Devon
Paint Pots of Devon are running a series of hands-on workshops in Crediton for children aged 6+. Kicking off on 6th August with a Mini Jelly cat-inspired clay session (£15), kids can also enjoy making magical hats (13th August), tie-dye and painting (20th August), and cute clay hangers (27th August). All workshops run 10-11:30am as drop-off sessions, with materials included. Booking is essential - call or message 07854716032.

The Magical Summer Trail – Who Lives Here?
Explore the High Street on this enchanting trail. Pick up your £1 trail sheet at Paint Pots of Devon and hunt for hidden little houses in shop windows all summer long. Complete the trail to win a small prize - proceeds support Opal Play at Haywards Primary.

Looking for a friendly place to relax and chat with other parents?
‍Join local parents every Tuesday this summer, 12–2pm at Crediton Methodist Church, for Crediton BAPS Baby and Parent Support – a free, friendly baby group offering warm drinks, biscuits and supportive chats about all things parenthood. Run by and for Crediton parents, with high chairs, space to bring lunch and qualified support for breastfeeding, bottle, and combination feeding. Drop in any week – they're there through the school holidays, older children welcome along too.

Morchard Bishop Vintage Rally & Family Fun Day
The Fun Day is back on Saturday 2nd August from 12 noon. Enjoy vintage vehicles, inflatables, craft stalls, ferret racing, and plenty of animals - Hamish and Heather the goats, Zuri the donkey, Mrs Pig, sheep and maybe even a peacock. Don’t miss out on the fun - only £2 admission for adults and 50p for children. All proceeds go to Morchard Bishop Playing Fields Association.

Craft drop-ins at The Bookery
‍Get creative on Wednesday 6th and 27th August with drop-in craft sessions between 10am-2pm to make beach scenes with peg doll people, mermaids and pirates. And support our wonderful local independent bookshop while you are there.

Fun for all the family at Bow Village Hall
Enjoy a fantastic Family Fun Day & Car Boot Sale at Bow Village Hall on Saturday 9th August, 1-5pm, with free entry in aid of the British Heart Foundation. There’ll be trade and craft stalls, cakes from Creedy Kitchen, exciting games, a raffle, BBQ, hog roast, bar, Mr Whippy van, milkshakes, and a bouncy castle with slide. To book a stall or car boot pitch, call 07572596226.

Sandford Summer Show
The Show is on Sunday 10th August at Sandford Parish Hall from 2pm (£1 entry, under 16s free). With fun competitions for all ages - like fruit & veg animals, Lego models, baking and photography - kids can enter free and win prizes. Enjoy exhibits, a plant stall, grand draw, and tasty refreshments. Entry forms: sandfordsummershow@gmail.comor pick up from SandfordCommunity Stores. Look out for the wonderful annual ScarecrowTrail through the village too, taking place from 19th July-7th September, this year’s theme is ‘school days’! Pick up the trail map from Sandford Community Stores.

Need childcare and want to keep the kids happy and entertained? There are plenty of fantastic holiday camps on offer, packed with fun activities to keep them busy all day long. Check out our top picks!

Adventure awaits with Primary Sport & Education Camps
Run by Primary Sport and Education, these super popular summer camps are back this summer with action-packed days full of variety for children aged 5–12. Running from 24th July to 29th August at Landscore Primary School, the camps offer everything from football, laser tag, archery and dance to glow-in-the-dark dodge ball, Nerf battles, arts and crafts, Lego and more. Standard hours are 8:45am-3:30pm (£22.50), with extended care available until 5:30pm (£27.50).

Crediton Congregational Church holiday club
From Wednesday 30th July to Friday 1st August, Crediton Congregational Church is running a friendly and affordable Holiday Club for children in Reception to Year 6. Each morning from 10am to 1pm, children can enjoy songs, crafts, Bible stories, games, lunch and more, all for just £2 per day. It’s a great way for little ones to make friends, get creative and have fun in a warm, welcoming environment.

Action-packed football days for ages 5-14
Kellogg’s Summer Camps are ideal for young footballers aged 5-14, running Wednesdays and Thursdays from 30th July to 28th August at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre. Wednesdays focus on Goalkeeper and Strikers Day, with fun skill-building games and practice. Thursdays are Match Mania World Cup, packed with matches and a tournament. Camps run 9:30am-3:30pm and cost £25 per day, with early bird spaces available. It’s a great way for kids to stay active, build skills and enjoy team fun this summer.

Saddle up for summer at Hunterswood
Hunterswood Riding School in Yeoford offers summer pony activities for ages 4-16 from 21st July-2nd September. Children can enjoy lessons, show days, jumping, games on ponies and fun rides. All abilities are welcome, with weekly rosettes and championship prizes. To book, call Christine Weeks on 07815 777495.

Rugby fun with Creddy Club
‍Creddy Club returns this summer with fun, games and outdoor activities for kids to enjoy while making new friends. Sessions run on 28-29 July,13-14 August, and 19-20 August. To book email creddyclub@yahoo.com.